Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From whence does my help come?
My help comes from God,
who made heaven and earth.
I spent the better part of last week in the Almaguin Highlands in Central Ontario. I grew up there surrounded by tree-covered hills, crags, and hundreds of lakes, rivers, and bogs. Again and again, I lifted up my eyes to the hills, filled with wonder at their formidable beauty. Hills are in my blood.
Some years ago I had the privilege of walking some of the hills around Jerusalem. They are probably the hills referenced in this Psalm. It may be that this Psalm was recited by pilgrims as they set out for the hills of Jerusalem or on another journey. These pilgrims and travelers were aware of both the beauty and the danger in the hills and knew that their help came from the Creator of those hills. When I feel that I am losing perspective or am seeking clarity I often will literally climb a hill, feel the wind on my face at the summit, take in the vista, and ask God for guidance and help.
The remainder of the Psalm seems to be blessing for the pilgrims or travelers who are about to set off on their journey - by foot, exposed to the elements and the dangers of the road.
God will not let your foot be moved; the one who keeps you will not slumber.
The one who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
God is your keeper, God is your shade on your right hand.
The sun will not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.
God will keep you from all evil, and will keep your life.
God will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever more.
Whether you are about to take a literal journey or are reflecting on your walk with God or are thinking about your tasks and responsibilities for the coming day or week, you may wish to take a moment to savour the words of blessing and comfort in this Psalm. From whence does my help come? My help comes from God, who made heaven and earth.
Marilyn Malton
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